The Cambridge ladder (CEFR)
Official Cambridge English Qualifications align with CEFR levels. Below is a plain-language guide for families — not a guarantee of exam readiness.
A2 Key (KET)
CEFR A2 · Often a first milestone for everyday basics and classroom English.
Typical next step: B1 Preliminary when A2 skills feel solid across tasks.
· Overview
B1 Preliminary (PET)
CEFR B1 · Practical English for travel, work, and study routines.
Typical next step: B2 First for stronger academic or workplace tasks.
· Overview
B2 First (FCE)
CEFR B2 · Independent user level; common for university preparation paths.
Typical next step: C1 Advanced for nuanced academic or professional English.
· Overview
C1 Advanced (CAE)
CEFR C1 · Advanced study, research, and demanding workplace communication.
Typical next step: C2 Proficiency for near-native precision goals.
· Overview
C2 Proficiency (CPE)
CEFR C2 · Highest common classroom benchmark; fine control and complex texts.
Typical next step: maintain through specialised reading, writing, and speaking depth.
· Overview